Comedian and actor Bill Hader has been pictured looking visibly strained for the first time since his reported tense interaction with Nick Reiner, the son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner, at a Christmas party. This encounter occurred mere hours before Nick Reiner allegedly murdered his parents in their Los Angeles mansion.
A Festive Gathering Turned Tragic
The 47-year-old Saturday Night Live alumnus was seen pacing back and forth during a phone call in Los Angeles on Tuesday, appearing tense and dishevelled. A source close to Hader told the Daily Mail that the actor 'is horrified' and 'extremely sad' over the brutal murders of Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele, 70, and explicitly 'doesn't want to be connected to this story.'
'Bill doesn't want this tragedy to be made about him, and any disagreement he may have had with Nick, Bill is refusing to talk about it,' the insider added. The source emphasised that Hader's interaction with Nick was brief and occurred at what was meant to be a fun, festive event hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien on Saturday.
The Fatal Night and a Chilling Argument
According to multiple reports, Nick Reiner, 32, allegedly 'stormed off' from the A-list holiday party after a confrontation with Hader. A source claimed to NBC News that Nick interrupted Hader, who told him he was 'in the middle of a private conversation.' Nick reportedly stared at Hader before leaving the party abruptly.
Witnesses at the party described Nick as acting erratically and displaying antisocial behaviour, including staring at other guests. It has been reported that his father, Rob Reiner, brought him to the party to 'keep an eye on him,' given Nick's long-documented struggles with addiction and alleged violence.
Tragically, the following day, on Sunday, the bodies of Rob and Michele Reiner were discovered in their Brentwood mansion by their daughter, Romy, 28. Both victims were found in bed with their throats slit. Nick, who lived in his parents' guest house, was arrested later that day after checking into a motel near Santa Monica pier. Police allegedly found a shower 'full of blood' and bloodstained sheets in his room.
Legal Proceedings and a Hollywood Legacy
Nick Reiner has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty. His first court hearing was delayed on Tuesday as he was not medically cleared to be transferred from jail. He is being represented by high-profile attorney Alan Jackson.
Rob Reiner was the beloved Emmy-winning star of All in the Family and the director of classic films like When Harry Met Sally... and The Princess Bride. He and his wife Michele, a photographer and LGBTQ+ advocate, had been married for 36 years. The father and son had previously worked together on the 2016 film Being Charlie, which explored addiction and was loosely based on their own complex relationship.
As the investigation continues, friends and the Hollywood community are left mourning the shocking loss. Bill Hader, through sources, has expressed his profound sadness and respect for the Reiner family, choosing to remain silent on his specific interaction with Nick to avoid detracting from the immense tragedy.
